As a small business owner, few things are as gratifying as a client who chooses to work with you year after year. Looking back through my photo archives, I found the first session I did with the Thiessen family in 2012. I still vividly remember approaching them at church and asking if they would let me use their newborn son as a baby model so I could start offering newborn sessions. Those were the humble beginnings of Laura Perron Photography, and I will forever be grateful to the clients who took a chance on me in those early days. Fast forward 12 years (twelve!), and I am thrilled to feature the Thiessen family photos in this latest installment of the Fall Recap 2024.

The Vision: A 20-Year Love Story

Back in October, I shared on my socials about booking a photoshoot for our 20th wedding anniversary while we were in Hawaii. Chelsea reached out to me via text, mentioning she had considered doing the same thing when she and Graham celebrated their 20th anniversary this year. Since they hadn’t booked a photographer at their destination, she started thinking about combining their annual family photoshoot with a couple’s anniversary photo session. After discussing a few options, Chelsea chatted with Graham and got him on board, and we moved on to planning the perfect time and location.

Chelsea has always been incredibly intentional about the timing and setting of their family photos over the years. She avoids repeating themes, and as we reviewed their previous shoots, we realized one location they had never tried was an urban setting. Earlier this year, during my hunt for unique locations, I stumbled upon a hidden gem shared by another local photographer I follow.

The Location: The Platform Calgary

In my opinion, there’s nothing more urban than a parking garage with a stunning city of Calgary skyline as the backdrop. A friend of mine, who is an architect, told me about the Platform earlier this year after it was featured in a design magazine. Interestingly, the space was designed to eventually be converted from a parking garage into commercial or residential use, anticipating a future with less need for parking downtown. For now, the top level of the garage is a fantastic open space reserved for photography enthusiasts and is the perfect location for an urban Calgary photoshoot.

Conveniently located across from the Calgary Central Library—another amazing urban photoshoot location—the Platform offered us a vibrant setting. Thankfully, it wasn’t too busy that day, allowing us to capture incredible shots without too many people in the background.

The Results: A Winning Combination

I often tell Aiden at the end of a session, “This is my favorite location of the year!” But in all honesty, the results of this shoot were truly exceptional. The Thiessen family embraced the urban vibe wholeheartedly, choosing outfits that perfectly captured the relaxed Calgary aesthetic.

Being a hockey-loving family, we all agreed to incorporate sticks and jerseys into the photos. Aiden captured a fantastic shot of the kids gazing out over the soon-to-be-replaced Scotiabank Saddledome.

We also took some stunning and playful couple’s portraits of Graham and Chelsea, celebrating the love, dedication, and teamwork that have defined their 20 years of marriage. Balancing a bustling family life, business ownership, and active involvement in their church and community, they exemplify grace and resilience. Knowing them over the years has been a privilege, and I can’t wait to collaborate with them again in the future.

Final Thoughts

Capturing the Thiessen family’s journey over the years has been such a rewarding experience. Their story is a testament to the beauty of celebrating life’s milestones with intentionality and creativity. Whether it’s an urban backdrop or a scenic outdoor location, every photoshoot tells a unique story. If you’re looking for a photographer who can help you create timeless memories, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to craft a session that’s perfect for your family’s next chapter—contact me today to book your session!